Toyota Motor Corp.'s first turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will be fitted on Lexus models starting late 2014 or early 2015. The carmaker's first 2.0-liter turbo will be installed in a new compact crossover that will be dubbed NX 200t, according to filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Joining the NX 200t will be the NX 300h hybrid model.

The rollout dates of the NX 200t and the NX 300h may be different in various markets around the world. A Toyota insider told Automotive News that the turbo-four may not arrive in the US until 2015. The source added that the turbo-four will likely be installed in other models in Toyota's global lineup, and might replace the 2.5-liter V-6 as the entry-level engine in the Lexus IS sedan lineup.

The source said the engine might also be fitted in the Toyota RAV4. Other premium brands like Audi, BMW and Cadillac are already offering 2.0-liter turbos in their entry-luxury vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile is offering a 1.8-liter engine. A 2.0-liter turbo can provide levels of power and torque similar to a small V-6, but is more lightweight and does not sacrifice fuel economy. However, a recent Consumer Reports study showed that turbo-fours can consume more fuel than standard four-cylinder engines.